In conjunction with his 200th Yahrtzeit on 24 Teves 5773/2013 these classes were given on the hakdamos of three of his Sefarim.
The Siddur. The Alter Rebbe’s Siddur, a clear author and purpose, to be ‘the thirteenth gate’. Reb Avrohom Dovid Lavut’s introduction (the Maggid’s Torah) and the joining of 1) Kabbalah, 2) Halacha, and 3) Dikduk. The Maharil’s letter. Shuve’ lichul Nefesh.
The Siddur
The Shulchan Aruch. The introduction to the Shulchan Aruch of the Alter Rebbe. By his sons. It reveals the Holy Maggid’s inspiration from ‘on High’ to find one of his students to write this Shulchan Aruch and how the task fell to the Alter Rebbe. Some history about the Alter Rebbe’s finding his way to the Maggid is also included.
The Shulchan Aruch
The Tanya. Introduction to the Tanya was written by the Alter Rebbe himself and reveals the interest of Chassidim in Chassidus and the difficulties in acquiring it.
